Checking off that list..

I am thrilled to announce: I bought a stroller! I don't think I'm alone-- or maybe I am, in saying that preparing for a new baby is overwhelming. Especially when this is your first baby and you don't have as much money as you originally planned on having.
The first time I went to a Baby Super Store that shall remain nameless, I about had a panic attack. 200 different kinds of bottles, pacifiers, and baby wipes?! Of course I want the best for my kid, but at what expense?
Choosing a stroller has been one of the most overwhelming big purchases of all. Big Baby Super Store had a little showroom of all the latest rides for babies, and originally we put one on our registry. The first thing I noticed was that they were all ugly, and the second thing I noticed was that they seemed way overpriced. I knew I wasn't going to get my dream stroller for this baby.. the coveted Silver Cross Pram. But I also didn't want to completely sacrifice style for an ugly brown or beige stroller covered in silly elephants, or a hideous plaid. No, not me. my baby is already cooler and more stylish than that. Shallow? If you say so. Smart for taking the ugly and expensive one off the registry? You betcha!

I had a list of things I wanted out of a stroller:
-Something that can grow with the baby, I only want to buy one.
-Something with good wheels, this stroller should be able to handle the smooth strand in Manhattan Beach, and the rough terrain of potholes in New Orleans.
-Something that came in black or navy- I want to potentially use the same stroller on the 7 children I plan on having. (kidding Albin!) A trendy print or too boyish a color didn't seem practical.
-I really wanted a bassinet option on the stroller. If I can't have the Silver Cross at least I can have the European pram look, which is actually better for a newborn's back then sitting in a carseat stroller all the time.
-Something at a low price-point. The Bugaboo's are close to a grand and the Silver Cross is anywhere from $2000+ brand new, without bells and whistles. Darn! I want bells and whistles!

I had my work cut out for me. I checked every online stroller vendor I could find. I came across one that I just loved and almost bought...The Twingo 3 in 1 pushchair. Then it turned out that the carseat portion was only legal in Europe and not certified for U.S. safety regulations. Boo!
**Sidenote: I also learned that depending on who you talk to, the safety regulations in Europe are actually more stringent than what we have in the U.S.

Anyways, I saw someone walking around with an attractive stroller that seemed to fit the bill and I asked her about it. She raved about it's performance and lightweight body. So I headed to the web to look for this ICOO Hauck Malibu stroller. All the reviews I saw were excellent, AND it fit all my requirements, even has the carseat adapter for when I want to use that.
And look at this thing! It's perfect for strolling! It comes with the bassinet, bassinet stand for use at home, the carseat adapter, and the big boy stroller.. all for under $300! I had to pinch myself!
Yes, I still have to buy a carseat, but I am thrilled I can get the one I want and still use it with the stroller when I want to.
I am so happy with this purchase.

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